Gareth Southgate has reminded all of his squad about their “commitment” ahead of next year’s Euros.
And the message could easily have been aimed at Marcus Rashford ahead of England’s qualifier with North Macedonia at Old Trafford. No-one can doubt Rashford’s ability or his passion for his beloved Manchester United but his England career has been more stop-start since making his senior debut seven years ago.
Rashford, 25, has won 52 caps but only made 22 starts for his country while he pulled out of England’s squad in March through injury and then posted pictures on social media of him making a whistle-stop break to New York.
United striker Rashford’s last friendly appearance was against Romania in 2021 when he scored the winner. Before his run-out as a substitute in Malta on Friday night, his last 10 appearances all came in major tournament finals.
That is almost Ryan Giggs territory as the ex-United winger was infamous for pulling out of friendlies with Wales.
But Southgate made it very clear that he expects players to report up if they want to be involved and teenager Jude Bellingham even provided the perfect example by joining the squad at St George’s Park despite being injured.
England boss Southgate said: “We’ve talked to the players about commitment being an important factor over the next 18 months. The more players that are here, they can hear the messages from the games that we play.
“So I think Marcus is pleased that he has been able to work with our medical team and make a lot of progress in this period of time. We were always hoping this would be the case.
“A lot of players pull out during the season, almost ahead of a camp, when you’ve got two games and then you can be okay for the second game if everything aligns. Equally, during a season that’s more complex because clubs have games coming up and the dynamic is a little bit different.
“Part of being a team is the rest of your teammates recognising you are in on this. Just by spending time with them, you get better relationships and communication to create more of a feeling of togetherness.
“It is harder to achieve that internationally than with a club because you just don’t spend the time. The spirit is a fundamental part of being a winning team.”
Rashford went to Euro 2016 as England’s boy wonder but has now matured into a global star and, in fairness, had a good World Cup in Qatar - scoring twice against Wales - but then did not start in the knockout stages.
But Rashford has enjoyed a good season for United and blossomed under Erik ten Hag. But when he finished the FA Cup final limping and in the past might have pulled out with an injury.
He nursed a hip injury before Malta but will be hoping to start against North Macedonia and Southgate said the United forward has made big progress this season.
Southgate added: “The obvious thing is the goals. I think when he has had chances this season that you expect him to score as the season has gone on. Maybe in previous seasons that was a little bit less of a certainty.
“I think, in working with Erik, he has had to work a bit differently without the ball. There’s been a bit more onus on that as a team. I would say the goal tally is big progress for him and something he will be pleased about.
“We’ve always had good communication, I know him as well as anybody is going to know him. He’s not always easy to read. He does love playing for England, he’s very proud to play for England and I’m sure an England game at Old Trafford will be a special moment for him.”
